Advantages and Disadvantages of working in the public sectorArpana Patel

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Why study this? 7% of the population is employed by the U.S. government (Forbes 2012) Research focuses on organization of public sectorNeed a more narrow focus to understand nature of working in a government agencyMany of us are considering entering the workforceDecisions on whether to work for public or private sector

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AdvantagesSense of fulfillmentGovernment agencies are essential services for the publicPublic service = serving the greater goodHelping the community and making a difference

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AdvantagesJob security:Government careers are generally more stable than those in the private sector. Civil service protections make dismissals more difficult in government than in non-unionized private firms, and layoffs are uncommon, since government agencies downsize less frequently than private firms and almost never die. (Lewis, Frank, p. 395)Merit Systems Protection Board: protection for federal employees against abuses from management

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Generous benefits packagesContribute lower share of premiums, lower deductibles and copayShorter enrollment waiting periods

Advantages

DisadvantagesBureaucratic nature of governmentRed tape causes frustration and makes progress slowHigh level of accountability More rules, regulations, andprocedures to follow Making a difference isnt easy

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DisadvantagesSlow mobility promotions, raises etc. Salary may be less than private sector

Congressional Budget Office

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Working in the Public SectorHas many advantages and disadvantagesInternships can help gain a better understandingCan be a rewarding career

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Comparing the Compensation of Federal and Private Sector Employees. (2012, January 1). Retrieved December 2, 2014, from http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/01-30-FedPay.pdf

Patton, M. (2013, January 1). The Growth Of Government: 1980 To 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikepatton/2013/01/24/the-growth-of-the-federal-government-1980-to-2012/Lewis, G., & Frank, S. (2002). Who Wants to Work for the Government?Public Administration Review,395-404. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/0033-3352.00193/pd

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